Hughes-Maddinson effort outshines Khawaja's ton

Usman Khawaja's ninth List A century went in vain as New South Wales overhauled the target of 283 with six wickets in hand and seven balls to spare. The chase at the Drummoyne Oval was set up by the 192-run opening stand between Daniel Hughes and Nic Maddinson, as New South Wales secured their second win while Queensland were handed their second loss in the tournament.

Earlier in the day, New South Wales skipper Peter Nevill won the toss and elected to field. The move to open the attack with Nathan Lyon - against the left-handed opening duo of Khawaja and Matt Renshaw worked, with the offspinner dismissing the latter early. Starc soon struck from the other end as well, removing Joe Burns who was out hit wicket for 4.

Reduced 20 for 2, Queensland revived their innings with a 218 run-stand for the third wicket. Marnus Labuschagne got off to a slow start, seeing off the early threat. Boundaries were few coming from him - only seven in his 111-ball knock - but he steadied the innings in company of his skipper, taking regular singles and twos. By the time he was dismissed, bowled by Starc on 91, Queensland were well-placed for a late assault.

However, that was not to be. Instead of quick runs, they kept losing wickets in quick succession. Sean Abbott bagged a couple, Starc dismissed Khawaja as the visitors finished with 282 for 7. Ben Cutting's unbeaten cameo (10-ball 23) was the only noteworthy attack in the death.

New South Wales, however, ensured Queensland never got an opportunity to remain on top in the chase. The openers crushed the challenge, first with caution and then with calculated aggression. Even early on in the innings, the scoring rate was healthy with a regular flow of boundaries. The Queensland bowlers struggled for over 30 overs to separate the opening pair, and when they did, Maddinson was removed by Brendan Doggett, 14 short of a century. He had stroked three boundaries and five sixes.

Kurtis Pattinson, however, ensured their good work didn't go in vain. He continued with a similar approach with Hughes taking over the mantle of attacking. In 11.1 overs, the duo added 68 runs. By the time Khawaja's innings ended, on 122, the hosts were left needing only 33 runs in 37 balls.

In a chase that coasted along smoothly for a long while, there was only a late hiccup, with two wickets falling off consecutive deliveries. However, it was only a matter of couple of balls from thereon for New South Wales to secure a win and move to the third spot on the points table.